The BBC has removed a video suggesting a Queensland river hosting the 2032 Olympic rowing events was crocodile-infested after Nationals leader Matt Canavan said the broadcaster had misled viewers.
The rowing event at the Summer Games will be held on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, but the BBC confused the waterway with one in Western Australia in their report last week.
The British broadcaster has since announced the content had “now been corrected”.
“An earlier version of this video included footage of the Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region of Western Australia instead of the Fitzroy River in Queensland,” the BBC admitted on Tuesday.
Mr Canavan said he welcomed the correction, again stating that the river in Queensland was perfectly safe.
“I welcome the BBC correcting the record after showing so-called ‘crocodiles lurking in the shadows’ in the wrong river,” Mr Canavan said.
“The story says it is now using ‘library footage’ which is a small improvement.
“I want to assure international media that the Fitzroy River – the Queensland one – is safe and also the perfect venue for the 2032 Games.”
On Monday Mr Canavan hit out at the BBC, branding the report as “overseas junk clickbait” that has spread lies about the sunshine state.
“The BBC’s video used stock footage from the Fitzroy River of scary looking crocodiles, it just was the Fitzroy River in Western Australia,” Mr Canavan said.
“The BBC report was off by just the small amount of 3,500 kilometres.
“This overseas junk clickbait report has been seen by millions and spread total lies about Queensland – it must be stopped.
“This story needs to be removed immediately.”
Mr Canavan warned fake reporting would come back and “bite” international media platforms.
“I can assure international media that any fake reports will come back to ‘bite’ them, because they will soon realise Rockhampton is the perfect choice for the 2032 rowing venue,” he said.
The Senator said some students participating in the Queensland Schools’ Rowing Championships might have the opportunity to compete internationally at the Games, emphasising the river’s suitability.
“It is incredibly exciting to think that among the athletes at the Queensland Schools’ Rowing Championships, some of them could make it all the way to the 2032 Olympic Games,” he said.
“These athletes have worked incredibly hard to get where they are, and I have no doubt some, if not all, would feel inspired to continue their sport, knowing that there is a chance to one day compete for Australia right here in Rocky for the Olympic Games.
“It feels like a dream come true to know that Rocky is race-ready for 2032, and I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard and believed in Rockhampton from the start.”
The International Olympic Committee has endorsed the flat-water course after a thorough, independent technical evaluation by globally recognised marine engineering specialists.
The Fitzroy River offers a 2.7 km stretch, accommodating a full international-standard course and providing enough distance for a standard 2000-metre rowing race.
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